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Easy Mexican Black Beans Recipe

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

March 9, 2025

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5 from 10 votes

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Mexican black beans pinterest image.

Jazz up the cans of black beans in your cupboard with this Mexican Black Beans recipe. It’s a low-fuss skillet recipe that’s quick and easy, and made with warm and smoky Mexican-inspired flavors. Serve them with tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, and more!

Mexican black beans in grey bowl topped with cotija and lime wedges.

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Overhead close up of Mexican black beans in grey bowl.

If you’re bored of black beans or not sure what to do with the cans that are sitting in the back of your cupboard, try this Mexican Black Beans recipe!

Table of Contents

  • Are black beans healthy?
  • Ingredients needed
  • How to make Mexican black beans
  • Variations
  • How to make ahead and store
  • Serving suggestions
  • Full Recipe
  • Want More Recipes Like This One?

Why you’ll love this recipe

It transforms canned black beans into a restaurant-quality, Mexican-inspired side dish. All it takes are simple spices and pantry-staple ingredients.

Making this black bean side dish with canned beans rather than dried ones cuts the cooking time from over 1 hour to just 20 minutes. Additionally, canned beans are a budget-friendly plant-based protein option and an affordable way to feed a crowd a hearty, fiber-rich food. 

The best part of this recipe, however, is how easy it is. The most challenging part is deciding how to serve them! Tacos? Beef carnitas? Burrito bowls? There are endless dishes to choose from! 

Are black beans healthy?

Black beans (or frijoles negros in Spanish) are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, with 1 cup containing over 15 grams. They’re also loaded with fiber (15 grams per 1 cup), as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Ingredients needed

Ingredients for Mexican black beans labeled on tray.
  • Canned black beans – We’re using canned beans instead of dried ones. Canned beans are already cooked, so all you have to do is drain them in a colander and rinse them well before you start cooking.
  • Olive oil – For fat and flavor.
  • Onion – Shallots also work in a pinch.
  • Garlic 
  • Cumin – This adds a necessary warmth to each bite.
  • Fresh lime juice – Try to use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than the stuff from a bottle.
  • Water or broth – Cooking the beans in water or broth creates a saucy consistency and helps the spices and aromatics stick better. You can enhance the savory qualities of this dish by cooking the beans in homemade bone broth instead of water.
  • Salt and pepper 
  • Queso fresco or cotija cheese – Take the finished black beans up a notch by sprinkling either of these Mexican cheeses on top. Use queso fresco if you’re a fan of feta or ricotta cheese, or use cotija if you’re a bigger fan of parmesan cheese.
  • Cilantro – An optional but recommended garnish. 

How to make Mexican black beans

First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until softened. Next, add the garlic and cumin and cook for another 30 seconds. 

Now you can pour the rinsed black beans and water (or broth) into the skillet. Leave everything to cook, stirring often, until the mixture is warmed through. 

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and cheese crumbles on top, then enjoy!

Can you make these with dried black beans?

Yes, you can use dried beans instead of canned beans. They must be soaked in water and cooked at a low simmer until tender before using them. This can take 1½ to 2 hours. 

Using dried beans will be much easier if you have a pressure cooker or slow cooker. Head to my Instant Pot Black Beans recipe for step-by-step instructions or check out the slow cooker version. 

Cooked beans in serving bowl.
Mexican black beans in grey bowl topped with cotija and lime wedges.

Variations

  • Switch up the beans – If you don’t have canned black beans, use canned pinto beans, kidney beans, red beans, or white beans instead.
  • Add corn – Try swapping one of the black bean cans with a can of Mexican-style, Southwest, or regular corn kernels. Frozen corn kernels also work well. 
  • Add chorizo – Cook about ½ cup of ground chorizo sausage in the skillet until browned, then add the onion and follow the recipe as written. 
  • Turn up the heat – To make spicy Mexican black beans, add a diced jalapeno to the skillet with the chopped onions. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chile powder, or crushed red pepper.

How to make ahead and store

Store the leftover Mexican black beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. 

You can also freeze them for up to 6 months without sacrificing taste or texture. I like freezing black beans in small portion containers for the ease of thawing as much as I need for other recipes. 

Serving suggestions

Pair these beans with all of your favorite Mexican-inspired recipes, like:

  • Mexican-inspired brunch – Serve the ultimate Mexican-themed spread complete with breakfast tostadas, migas, cooked black beans, corn queso dip, guacamole, various salsas, and a pitcher of mango michelada!
  • Healthy lunches – Boost the fiber in a Mexican Street Corn Salad, Chipotle Chicken Salad, or Southwest Chicken Salad by adding a scoop of beans. 
  • Taco Tuesday – Add black beans to the topping options on Taco Tuesday. They’re perfect with Sweet Potato Tacos, Pork Carnitas Street Tacos, Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps, and more.
  • Keep it simple – Rice and beans is a simple and protein-packed side dish. Simply stir the cooked beans into a batch of rice, then enjoy!
  • More → 35+ Recipes that Use Black Beans
Close up of Mexican beans in serving bowl.

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  • 35+ Recipes that Use Black Beans

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Did you try this black beans recipe?

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Mexican black beans in grey bowl topped with cotija and lime wedges.

Full Recipe

Mexican Black Beans

Jazz up the cans of black beans in your cupboard with this easy Mexican Black Beans recipe. It’s a low-fuss skillet recipe that’s quick and easy, and made with warm and smoky Mexican-inspired flavors. Serve them with tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, and more!
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 15-ounce cans black beans ((drained and rinsed) (about 3 cups))
  • 1/3 cup bone broth (or chicken stock or water)
  • 1 Tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro (to garnish (optional))
  • 1/4-1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (or cotija cheese (optional))

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, until softened.
  • Add the garlic and cumin and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the black beans and broth or water to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, until warmed through.
  • Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • If desired, top with cilantro and queso fresco.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Store the leftover Mexican black beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. 
You can also freeze them for up to 6 months without sacrificing taste or texture. I like freezing black beans in small portion containers for the ease of thawing as much as I need for other recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 138IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

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5 from 10 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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5 responses

  1. Charlotte
    April 29, 2023

    How much water?? It doesn’t say.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      April 29, 2023

      Hi Charlotte – Thank you so much for catching that typo! The recipe has been fixed now. It should be 1/3 cup of water.

      Reply
  2. tunnel rush
    August 13, 2024

    Mexican beans is a dish I have heard of many times but never had the chance to try. Today I found this article so lucky. Tonight I will buy the ingredients and try cooking it.

    Reply
  3. Krista
    August 21, 2024

    5 stars
    Delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. My entire family enjoyed it!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 26, 2024

      Thank you Krista!

      Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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